MARATHON. Sweating beneath heavy armour, a group of archaeology fans have brought the Battle of Marathon to life on the coastal plain where the fate of Europe dramatically changed 2500 years ago. Gathering from Europe, North America and Australia, the re-enactors staged a three-day event of combat and archaic culture revival at Marathon Bay. Organisers had initially hoped for a turnout of 200 but had to settle for 50 battle-ready Greek hoplites and a handful of Persian archers. Most of the re-enactors had spent thousands of euros on travel expenses just to get to this small town 40 kilometres north-east of Athens that is better known for the long-distance race held here every year.

History buffs sweat it out

MARATHON. Sweating beneath heavy armour, a group of archaeology fans have brought the Battle of Marathon to life on the coastal plain where the fate of Europe dramatically changed 2500 years ago.

Gathering from Europe, North America and Australia, the re-enactors staged a three-day event of combat and archaic culture revival at Marathon Bay.

Organisers had initially hoped for a turnout of 200 but had to settle for 50 battle-ready Greek hoplites and a handful of Persian archers.

Most of the re-enactors had spent thousands of euros on travel expenses just to get to this small town 40 kilometres north-east of Athens that is better known for the long-distance race held here every year.